Civil Rights Investigator Senior - Austin Equity & Inclusion

City of Austin•Austin, TX

2d•$68,780 - $85,980•Onsite

About The Position

Austin Equity and Inclusion provides leadership, guidance, and insight on equity to improve quality of life for Austinites and to build a culture of equity across the city. The Civil Rights Investigator Senior works under limited supervision in the Civil Rights Division and is responsible for resolving housing, employment, public accommodation, and other discrimination complaints under the authority of the City of Austin Office of Civil Rights. The position provides leadership, guidance, and expertise to investigators, including on advanced and complex investigations and the interpretation and application of laws and regulations. The role analyzes complaints and investigative findings, prepares recommendations, and identifies trends or areas requiring preventive or corrective action. It also supports federal contracting compliance, prepares reports for the Office of Civil Rights and EEOC, and conducts education and outreach with stakeholders and the community. The position represents the Office of Civil Rights at City Council meetings, boards, and commissions. The role is based at One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road, Suite 500, Austin, TX 78704. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. New hires work in the office for their first six months; employees moving into the role by promotion, transfer, or lateral move work in the office for their first three months.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in a field related to Government, Communications, Sociology, Business, or Public Administration, plus two years of experience investigating discrimination complaints.
Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four years.
A master’s degree or Juris Doctor may substitute for one year of the required experience.
Knowledge of areas supported; federal, state, and local laws; and City practices, policies, and procedures.
Oral and written communication, multitasking, prioritization, computer, data analysis, problem-solving, planning, and organizational skills.
Ability to interview under varied conditions; handle hostile conflicts and uncertain situations; use investigative and research techniques related to human rights issues; and research case law and applicable precedents.
Ability to collect and analyze data thoroughly and accurately, negotiate settlements, and adapt to interruptions and changing priorities.
Ability to train and lead others, maintain current knowledge of Civil Rights programs, and establish and maintain good working relationships with City employees and the public.
A detailed City employment application, résumé, and cover letter are required.
No licenses or certifications are required.

Nice To Haves

Experience planning, organizing, and conducting investigations and interpreting and applying laws and regulations.
Experience working with local, state, and federal agencies; conducting interviews and gathering facts; evaluating findings; and preparing reports.
Experience preparing data and materials for hearings and court proceedings, and communicating effectively.
Experience providing leadership and guidance to others and their work.
Experience maintaining good working relationships with City employees and the public.
Experience testifying in hearings and court proceedings and developing and delivering education to stakeholders, including City Council, boards, and commissions.

Responsibilities

Interpret federal, state, and local laws and ordinances concerning discrimination within the Office of Civil Rights’ authority.
Refer or assign new discrimination or denial-of-rights complaints to investigators according to established procedures.
Analyze investigative data to determine the merits of complaints.
Prepare recommendations for Office of Civil Rights leadership regarding unsettled complaints.
Compile and analyze complaints and other data to identify discrimination trends or problem areas, and recommend preventive or corrective action to management.
Provide models, technical information, intervention, and expertise to investigators handling novel and complex cases.
Prepare monthly reports and weekly closure for the Office of Civil Rights and EEOC for credit review and contract acceptance.
Serve as liaison with federal contracting agencies to ensure federal contracts and technology changes or improvements are met and implemented.
Plan, develop, and conduct education and outreach for stakeholders and the community.
Represent the Office of Civil Rights at City Council meetings, boards, and commissions.
Provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, and guidance to others.
Conduct advanced investigations involving housing, employment, and city laws and ordinances.